Mayor Chávez drives a Chevrolet Avalanche that runs on 85% ethanol fuel.

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel that is created by fermenting and distilling the simple sugars produced by corn, barley, or wheat.

Why is Ethanol Better than Petroleum-Based Fuels?

Ethanol contains oxygen which helps regular gasoline burn more cleanly. Gasoline enriched with ethanol produces less carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon than other fuels.
In addition, ethanol is very biodegradable and nontoxic, which is good news for our groundwater and wildlife.

Ethanol in Action on Albuquerque Streets

The City of Albuquerque has a long and visionary relationship with ethanol. Way back in 1989, Albuquerque/Bernalillo County was one of the first seven communities to recognize the value of ethanol in protecting our precious clean air. Since 1989, the City and County have required area gas stations to mix gasoline with at least 7.8% ethanol during the winter months.

Since then, the City has expanded its use of ethanol. Today, the City owns 364 ethanol-ready vehicles and Mayor Chavez drives a Chevrolet Avalache that runs on E85, a mixture of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Learn More about Ethanol:

• U.S. Department of Energy Ethanol page
• Ethanol, the Complete Energy Lifecycle Picture brochure from the Department of Energy
• How Ethanol is Made
• Driving Ethanol
• Ethanol.org
• Frequently Asked Questions answered by the Department of Energy